Gerbera plant named Terfacci

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of Gerbera plant named Terfacci, characterized by its pastel orange ray floret color, green disc and both mature and immature flowers, inner band of yellow florets surrounding disc, and its single flower top and funnel-shaped flower form.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Gerberaplant, botanically known as Gerbera jamesonii, and referred to by thecultivar name Terfacci.

Terfacci was originated from a hybridization made in a controlledbreeding program in De Kwakel, The Netherlands in 1986 under thesupervision of the inventor Lambertus J. M. Stravers.

The female parent was identified as "geell". The male parent was 83.151.The new cultivar was discovered and selected as one flowering plantwithin the progeny of the stated parentage by the inventor in or aboutJanuary 1987 in a controlled environment in De Kwakel.

The first asexual reproduction of Terfacci was accomplished whenvegetative cuttings were taken from the initial selection in April 1987in a controlled environment in De Kwakel, The Netherlands by atechnician working under formulations established and supervised by theinventor. The new cultivar is presently being propagated by cuttings andtissue culture. Horticultural examination of selected units initiated inNovember 1987 has demonstrated that the combination of characteristicsas herein disclosed for Terfacci are firmly fixed and are retainedthrough successive generations of asexual reproduction.

Terfacci has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity and day length. Thefollowing observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in the greenhouse of Terra Nigra BV in De Kwakel, The Netherlandsunder controlled conditions which closely approximate those generallyused in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and have beendetermined to be basic characteristics of Terfacci, which in combinationprovide a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Pastel orange ray floret color.

2. Green disc, both immature and mature.

3. Yellow band of inner florets surrounding disc.

4. Single flower type, and generally funnel-shaped flower form.

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, there isno cultivar sufficiently similar to Terfacci so as to provide ameaningful basis for comparison.

The accompanying photographic drawing shows typical inflorescencecharacteristics of Terfacci, with the colors being as nearly true aspossible with illustrations of this type. The foliage of Terfacci isdescribed in detail below but is not illustrated. The photographcomprises a closeup view of the novel flower form and color of the newcultivar.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.). The color values weredetermined approximately mid day on Dec. 11, 1989 under artificial lightat De Kwakel, The Netherlands.

Classification:

Botanical.--Gerbera jamesonii cv Terfacci.

Commercial.--Gerbera.

Parentage: Seedling from cross of cultivars designated "geell" and83.151.

Plant: The plant when fully grown reaches a height of 40 cm.

Leaf blade:

Length.--Medium.

Width.--Medium.

Thickenss.--Medium.

Blistering (puckering).--Weak.

Hairiness on upper side.--Medium (midrib excluded.)

Depth of cuts or incisions in leaf.--Near bottom or base: Deep. Nearmiddle: Medium. Near tip: Shallow.

Color.--Upper surface of leaf, medium green; lower surface, light green.

Glossiness on upper side.--Medium.

Angle at tip.--Weakly acute.

Shape at tip.--Pointed.

Margin of lobes.--Sinuate.

Petiole length.--Medium.

Petiole anthocyanin coloration.--Present, medium in intensity.

Peduncle:

Length.--Medium.

Cross section.--Round, medium strength and thickness.

Resistance to bending.--Medium.

Hairiness.--Dense.

Color.--Medium green.

Anthocyanin.--Present at base, strong in intensity; none present at tip.

Bracts near tip.--None.

Flower head:

Type.--Single; generally funnel shaped in form.

Diameter from edge to edge.--Medium; 10-11 cm. in diameter.

Height.--Distance from of attachment of involucre to top of flower headis medium.

Involucre.--Height: Medium. Diameter: Medium. Number of bracts: Medium;longitudinal aixs on inner rows are reflexing. Anthocyanin: Absent.Hairiness: Medium.

Outer row ray florets.--Number in outer row: Medium. Length of floret:Long. Width of floret: Broad. Shape of floret: Narrow, elliptic;longitudinal folding is medium. Shape of tip: Rounded, two teeth, mediumin depth. Axis (longitudinal) of florets: Reflexing. Cross section offloret: Flat. Length of free petals: Long. Color distribution on innerside: Lighter towards base. Striation: Absent. Claw spot: Absent. Coloron top side: 27C. Color on bottom side: 10D.

Inner florets surrounding disc.--Diameter: Relatively small. Color:Yellow. Longitudinal axis: Straight.

Disc florets.--Diameter: Medium. Main color of perianth lobes: Femaleflowers are red; male flowers are pink. Color (mature and immature):Green.

Reproductive parts:

Stigma.--Main color, white.

Anthers.--Main color, dark yellow; color at top lighter relative toother parts; longitudinal stripes are absent.

Pappus.--Main color: Yellow; uniform color throughout. Orientation:Level of top is above closed disc florets.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Gerbera plant named Terfacci,as illustrated and described.